Injector



s. 1.. KNEASS INJECTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5. 1924 VVEN 7'0)? K m w;

Nov. 24, 1925. 1,563,196

. s. L. KNEASS INJECTOR Filed Aug. 5. 1924 s Sheets-Sheet 2 J1 y s 6 z I 4 Z mnm w a ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 24, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

STRICKLAND L. KNEASS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM SELLERS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED, OE

CORPORATION OF 'IENNSYLVANIA.

PHILADELPHIA, ,PENNSYLVANIA, A

INJECTOR.

Application filed August 5,1924. Serial No. 730,293.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STRIGKLAND I1. KNEAss, a citizen of the United States, residing at Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new. and useful Improvement in Injectors,

of which the following is a full, clear, and

to meet the requirements of the low pressure part of the injectorwhen steam is cut off the working cylinder, whereby the injector may be continuously operated Whether the locomotive be standing, drifting, or working.

A further object of my invention is to provide means whereby a substantially constant pressure will be maintained in the injector supply pipe, when the supply of steam is from the exhaust of the working cylinder, irrespective of variation in the exhaust'pressure.

Having now indicated, in a general way, the nature and purpose of my invention, I will proced to a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which I Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a locomotive showing the application of my invention.

Fig, 2 is a sectional view of automatically operated live and exhaust steam valves.

Fi z 3 isan end view, artl broken awa of tli e subject of Fig; 2. y y

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a detail of my invention. I

a indicates the boiler, 72 one of the cylinders, and c the steam chestof alocomotive. d indicates the injector for supplying water to the boiler and having the low pressure part 03', while e represents .a manually controlled main injector operating valve for supplying live steam to the injector.

Exhaust steam from the cylinder passes through the conduit 7, and the low pressure steam supply to the injector is through pipe 9; the conduit f and the pipe 9 belng, respectively connected to the body k; in which is a winged piston valve 5 adapted to control the passage of exhaust steam to the lnjector.

A pipe y connects the live steam valve c with the body, the admission of live steam to pipe 9 being controlled by a valve is.

The valves 11 and 7c are opened or closed by steam chest pressure and are so arranged that when the locomotive is working the valve 1? W111 permit the passage of exhaust steam to the injector, while when the locomotive is idle, as standing or drifting, the valve '21 will be automatically closed and the valve is automatically opened to permit the passage to the injector of live steam, expanded to reduce its pressure. The construction of the mechanism for automatically operating the exhaust and live steam admission valves will be clear from the following description.

On the upper part of body It and in axial alignment with the valve z is a cylinder 1, which is connected to the steam chest through a branch m and pipe n. Within the branch m is a piston 0 resting on a plunger p, in turn resting on an outer piston g and connected by a major spring 1' with an inner piston 8 provided with a stem t which is connected with the valve 2'. An inner spring u surrounds the stem t and abuts against a thimble o and the lower end of the cylinder. Communicatioribetween the exhaust conduit and the inner piston s is constantly permltted through the aperture to in the cylinder and aperture w in thimble '0. Clearance is provided between piston q and the upper part of cylinder Z to permit communication between the upper part of the cylinder and atmosphere through threaded aperture 15 to insure atmospheric pressure on the top of the piston g.

In operation, when steam is admitted to the steam chest, by opening the throttle of the locomotive, live steam pressure is exerted on the iston 0, which is forced down to the limit of its stroke and forces down the plunger 10 and outer piston g, which, acting through the major spring 1*,

piston, its stem and the attached valve 2" agjalinst the action of the major spring 1', w 'ch abuts against; the plunger 12, which, under the steam chest pressure on piston 0, acts as a fixed abutment. The valve 2' is 16 thus more or less closed by rise in exhaust pressure to be again returned to normal by the major spring with decrease in ex haust pressure, in order that the valve may act to automatically maintain a substanv 20 tially constant pressure in the pipe 9.

In the ordinary locomotive, or any reciprocating type of prime mover, both the inflow and outflow from the cylinders is intermittent. The discharge, therefore, from the cylinder exhaust pipe is inperiodic waves of high and low pressure, proportional to the impulse and frequency. Such variation in pressure is disturbing to the action of an'injeetorfand I have devised means to break the. waves of pressure and induce a more even flow ofexhaust steam to the regulating valve and injector, through the conduit f to valve 2', and thence through the pipe 9 to the injector. In order to fiatten out such waves and reduce the necessity for throttling through the medium of inner piston 8, there is set in the conduit 7 a body 12 of greater diameter than the conduit and divided into inner and outer chambers by.

4 means of a cylindrical screen section 13, transversely of which is a. baffle plate l t, the central portion of which is Concaved, as shown in Fig. 4. Exhaust steam from the cylinder at varying pressures enters the cylindrical screen direct from conduit strikes the baifie and is deflected laterally through the meshes of the screen. The steam then passes around the baflle and returns through the meshes of the screen into conduit 7 and thence to valve 2'. The effect of striking the battle 14 is to eliminate a large part of the momentum of the peak of the wave of exhaust steam v the finely perforated cylindrieal screen v flow into the surrounding chamber, and this action is repeated when the steam passes through the other portion of the perforated screen into the conduitconnected with the regulating valve. This eliminates *the remaining impulses andgives a practically even and continuous dischargetoward the injector. If steam be cut oil" from the steam chest, as when the locomotive is stopped or allowed to drift, the pressure is removed from piston 13 breaks into small jets the 0 and piston valve 11 will be closed by the action of spring u, which acts to lift the various parts int-o the position shown in Fig. 2. On the upper part of the body it and adj acent to the cylinder Z is a cylinder at, in axial alignment with the valve is, and connected through a branch 3 and pipe n with the steam chest. Within the cylinder a is a PIS- ton 2 which seats upon a port 2, between the lower portion of the cylinder and a chamber 3, which is connected to the main in ector operating valve 6 by means of pipe j. Port 2 is also closed by an upwardly seating valve 4, provided with a cylindrical guide 5 having an aperture 6 for the passage of steam. The valve 4 is connected by means of a stem 7 to the outlet valve is, which controls a port afl'ording communication between chamber 3 and an orifice 8 leading to the body it in such a manner that when one is open the other is closed. The orifice 8 may be varied by adjustment of screw 9, which permits the size of the orifice to be such as to allow for the passage of only as much live steam as when expanded in body it will produce the pressure desired for the low pressure part of the injector. Suitable outlet space 10 and a conduit 11 leading to the exhaust pipe are provided to prevent accumulation of balancing pressure under the piston z or on top of valve 4.

When pressure. is on the steam chest, that is, when the eylinderis working, the valve 2', as above described, is opened as a result of pressure on piston 0. At the same time, steam chest pressure is on piston a and live steam pressure is present in chamber 3 and above valve 4 and acts to retain the valve at and outlet valve k in respectively open and closed position as shown in Fig. 2.

If now steam is shut off from the steam chest, pressure is relieved from the top of piston z and the piston is lifted by-the pres sure above valve 4, arising from the passage of steam from chamber 3 through aperture 6 in guide 5. When piston z is lifted, the pressure above valve 4 is dissipated to the exhaust pipe through the outlet space 10 and conduit 11. With pressure relieved from the top of valve 4, the pressure in chamber 3 acting beneath the valve lifts and closes it at the same time the valve is is lifted off its seat through its connection with valve 4, and live steam is permitted to pass to and through orifice 8 into body 71., where it expands and passes-t0 the injector through pipe 9 at desired pressure.

If now the locomotive be started up, steam chest pressure is again exerted on pistons 0 and z, the former seatingon the base of its cylinder and the latter on port 2 closing the port from the live steam chamber 3. The pressure on piston 0 effects the opening of valve 6, as above described. Pressure .on piston 2 causes the piston to valve 4 and outlet valve is downward.

i move down and, before it seats, to strike the upper end of stem 7 and move the steam, This action is due to pressure on the larger area of the piston .6 compared to the valve 4 even though the pressure in the steam chest is somewhat below that in chamber 3. .After the preliminary downward movement of valve 4, steam from chamber 3, when the injector operating valve E is open, passes through aperture 6 and equalizes the pressure on the top and under side of valve 4;, so that the pressure of the steam closes the out* .let valve is cutting off live steam from the pipe g, which is then receiving exhaust steam as a'result of the opening of valve 2'.

Thus it will be noted that-with the main injector operating valve 6 open the low pressure part of the injector is continuously supplied with steam either from the exhaust, when the locomotive is working, or from the boiler when the locomotive is standing or drifting, and further that the continuous supply ,of steam is maintained automatically.

No claim is madev herein. for the process described as such has been made the subject matter of an application for patent filed by me as a division hereof.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with an injector 0perated-wholly or partly by exhaust steam, an exhaust regulating and cut-off valve, a

live steamadmission valve to the exhaust. steam supply, and means to cause both.

valves to interact automatically.

2. In combination'with an injector operated wholly orpartly by exhaust steam, an exhaust regulating and cut-off valve, a live steam admission valve to the exhaust steam supply, and means to cause both valves to interact automatically by live steam pressure controlled y the engine throttle.

3. In combination with an injector operated wholly or partly by exhaust steam, an exhaust regulating and cut-ofl' valve, a live steam admission valve operated by a piston subject to live steam pressure when the engine is running to admit exhaust.

A prising, in'combination, means for admitting exhaust steam to the'injector when the locomotive is working, means for admitting live steam at reduced pressure to the injector when the locomotive is not working, and means controlled by live steam pressure whereby the injector is supplied with exhaust or live steam automatically as steam is put on or taken off the working cylinder.

5. Means for supplying steam at low pressure to the injector ona locomotive, comprising a valve governing the admission to the injector of steam exhausted by the locomotive, a valve governing the admission of live steam to the injector, means for reduc ing the pressure of the live steam before its entry into the injector, said valves under the influence of livesteam pressure being positioned to permit the passage of exhaust steam to the injector and prevent the passage thereto of live steam when the locomotive is workingand automatically to reverse and permit the passage of .live steam to the injector when the locomotive is standing or drifting. I

6. Means for continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive having a working cylinder, comprising, in combination, an exhaust steam supply valve, a live steam supply valve, means associated with said valves" adapted, under the influence of live steam pressure, to automatically reverse them to permit a supply of exhaust steam to the'injector when the locomotive is working and a supply of live steam at reduced pressure when. the 10 comotive is not working.

' 7. Means for continuously ,supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive havin a workin 0 linder com- Z?- prislng, in combination, an exhaust steam supply valve, a live steam supply valve,- means associated with said valves adapted,

under the influence of live steam pressure, to automatically reverse them to permit a supply of exhaust steam to the injector when the locomotive is working and a supply of live steam at reduced pressure when the locomotive is not working, and means associated with the exhaust steam supply valve adapted, under the influence of variations in exhaust pressures, to automatically maintain the pressure of the supply to the in jector substantially constant.-

8. Means for continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive having a working cylinder and a steam chest associated therewith, comprising, in combination, a body, a conduit for exhaust steam leading from the working cylinder to said body, a conduit leading from said body to the low pressure part of the injector, a valve controlling the passage live steam chamber with said body, a valve controlling the passage of live steam through said passage, and means, acting automaticall y under the influence of live steam pressure, to open the exhaust steam controlling valve and close the live steam controlling valve when steam is admitted to the steam chest. 9. Means for continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a lo comotive having a Working cylinder and a steam chest associated therewith, comprising, in combination, a valve body, means affording communication between the cylinder and injector and said body, a valve in said body controlling the passage of exhaust steam from said cylinder to said in jector, a piston in communication with said steam chest, means including a spring affording a flexible operating connection between said pistonand valve, a second piston secured to said valve and in communication with said cylinder, a spring adapted to act to closesaid valve, and a valve adapted to act to automatically admit live steam to said injector when, the cylinder is idle. 10. Means for' continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive having a working cylinder, and a steam chest associated therewith, comprising a valve body, means affording communication betweensaid valve body and said injector and a source of live steam, a valve in said body controlling the passage of live steam to said injector, a piston in communication with said steam chest, a second piston connected to said valve, means affording communication between said piston and said body, a valve ada ted to control communication between sald last mentioned piston and said body, said first mentioned piston being adapted, when steam is put on the steam chest, to give said live steam control-' ling valve a preliminary closing movement and open the valve controlling communication between said body-and said second piston whereby said live steam valve will be closed by live steam pressure, and a valve adapted to automatically open when steam is put on the steam chest to admit exhaust steam to the injector. i

11. Means for continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive having a working cylinder and a steam chest associated therewith, comprising the combination with automatically actuated valves for supplying exhaust steam to the injector when the cylinder is working and live steam when the cylinder is idle, of an enlarged section in the exhaust conduit, a cylindrical screen of less diameter than, and positioned in, said section axially thereof, and a bafiie plate of less diameter than said section extending transversely of said screen intermediate its'ends. 7

12. Means for continuously supplying steam at low pressure to an injector on a locomotive having a working cylinder, comprising, in combination, means for admitting exhaust steam to the injector when the locomotive is working, means for admitting live steam at reducedpressure to the in jector when the locomotive is not working, means controlled by live steampressure whereby the injector is supplied with exhaust or live steam automatic lly as steam is put on or taken oil the working cylinder, and means adapted, under the influence of variations in exhaust pressures, to'automatically maintain the pressure of the supply of exhaust steam to the injector substantially constant.

In testimony of which invention, I'have hereunto set my hand, at Philadelphia, Pa, on thislst day of August, 1924.

STRIflKLAND L. KNEASS. 

